In this paper, we introduce a dynamic model of a thermal adsorber powered by solar energy. The system
operates with silica gel (as an adsorbent) and water (as a refrigerant). The Finite Difference approximation
was used; the obtained numerical model was then incorporated in a MATLAB code in order to
solve the system of algebraic equations modeling heat and mass transfers. The real ambient temperature
and solar radiation variations relative to a typical summer day in Fez (Morocco) are taken into account.
The system is characterized by its simple design and can reach a SCOP (Solar Coefficient of Performance)
of 0.15 under a condenser and evaporator temperatures of 27 C and 5 C respectively. Consequently, this
installation can be an attractive solution to meet positive cooling needs (medicine and food storage) in
off-grid electricity regions. It can be also proposed in humanitarian actions in Africa.